Overview & Reviews

The Pontiac brand is part of the General Motors family, and is home to many of the automaker's more performance-oriented vehicles. Currently, the marque offers a broad range of sporty cars and SUVs. However, as part of GM's restructuring plan, the brand is slated to be discontinued by the end of the 2010 model year.

Pontiac originated as the Oakland Car Company of Pontiac, Michigan, in 1907; it was founded by Edward Murphy. Acquired by General Motors in 1909, Oakland introduced the first Pontiac vehicle in 1926. Dubbed the "Chief of the Sixes," the car was powered by a six-cylinder engine and made its debut at that year's New York auto show. It was so successful that the Oakland name was phased out in favor of Pontiac, the name of an 18th-century chief of the Ottawa Indians. Throughout the 1930s and '40s Pontiac made coupes, sedans and wagons in the low-to-mid price ranges. A unique styling cue of Pontiac cars from the mid-'30s to the mid-'50s was known as "Silver Streak," a set of art-deco-inspired chrome "speed lines" that ran up over the length of the hood to the base of the windshield.

The 1950s saw the introduction of the Pontiac Bonneville. The sprawling, stylish cruiser offered equal measures of performance and luxury, and was a breakout hit. But it wasn't until the 1960s that the Pontiac brand truly came into its own. American manufacturers had begun to offer downsized alternatives to the gigantic cruisers that had ruled the highways in previous decades. Pontiac came to market with the compact Tempest. In 1964, Pontiac made its biggest impact yet with the creation of the GTO option for the Tempest. By equipping the car with the powerful 389 cubic-inch V8 from the full-size car line, Pontiac created the first "muscle car." Phenomenally successful, the GTO helped define the burgeoning muscle car category. Pontiac also saw tremendous success during the latter part of this decade with its Firebird and Firebird Trans Am.

The oil crisis of the '70s made fuel efficiency a priority for many car buyers. Following the lead of its GM siblings, Pontiac made compact vehicles like the Ventura and Phoenix a major part of its lineup. The '80s saw the launch of the two-seat Pontiac Fiero. Despite its modest beginnings (it was initially marketed as a "commuter car"), the Fiero eventually blossomed into a credible sports car.

The '90s saw the launch of Pontiacs like the Sunfire and Montana minivan. Pontiac has slowly lost sales due to changing tastes and a lack of differentiation between its models and those of other GM divisions. In hopes of recapturing past glory, the division embarked on a plan to retire aged models and introduce all-new ones with distinctive styling and personality. For a while, the effort seemed to be bearing fruit. New models like the Vibe, Solstice and G8 made Pontiac a brand to consider in many segments. However, GM's financial troubles in 2008 and 2009 have resulted in the company's decision to phase out Pontiac as a brand. It's expected 2010 will be Pontiac's last year for new models.

User Reviews:

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  I would have spent the money elsewhere - 2000 Pontiac Bonneville
  By JD11 - August 21 - 10:00 am

  Just not impressed with the vehicle. As mentioned in previous critiques, there are many little problems with it. There was no compressor/airconditioner put in the car when there should have been, right tire rod had to be replaced (25000 miles), now experiencing muffler problems (40,000 miles on car). IN addition, there is a continuous rattling behind the steering wheel. THese are problems that should not occur in a new car. Just a dissapointment

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  Great Car - 1998 Pontiac Bonneville
  By bflbarlow - August 20 - 5:15 am

  I bought this car with 155,000 miles on it for a straight $2000 in 2008. I loved my Bonnie, but I was a pretty brutal driver. Although some things broke (lever for high beams, speakers, side mirrors, etc), Im actually surprised more didnt break under some pretty heavy use. The only engine problem I had was serpentine belt snapping that lead to a few other problems such as a blown radiator and teaked power steering. I took this car to DC and back a few times and had an extremely comfy ride. This car is HUGE and great for moving. Has great pickup and gets to 100 easily. Bad city mpg, but great hwy mpg approaching 28-30mpg (lazy 5th gear). Heavy handling, but fun enough to drive. Great Car.

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  cool car - 1998 Pontiac Firebird
  By The trans am - August 19 - 12:13 pm

  I dont know what to say, its a youths car. its very impressive. I race it on a drag track some time and its a beast

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  I love my Aztec - 2004 Pontiac Aztek
  By Cricket - August 14 - 10:00 am

  At first I thought that this was an ugly vehicle but I have changed my mind different yes but not ugly. I enjoy it very much.

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  Fun car not reliable daily driver - 2001 Pontiac Firebird
  By 01 firebird - August 12 - 10:00 am

  This car is fun to drive with like a sports car but with the v6 you dont have to worry about gas. The only problem with this car that I have had so far are strange electrical issues (ex. The headlights flip up and down when using the power locks with the remote?) also has electrical problems after being stored. Still a great convertible for Florida weather

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  I love mine! - 1999 Pontiac Grand AM
  By turboerik - August 12 - 10:00 am

  I inherited a 1999 Grand Am SE in 2004. I love mine! I have had only maintenance issues with mine. I love the weight of the wheel, the confident feeling of the suspension and the instrument layout. Ive had it now for 6 years and Im seriously considering getting another. The gas mileage is good, I get anywhere from 25 to 26 miles per gallon. I have always loved the Pontiacs red instrument cluster. I wish there was a larger engine option, but then the mileage would suffer. I have lowered the suspension and put Nitrous Oxide in it. I also put an after market hood on it. It looks aggressive without too personalized. Maybe mine was built on a Wednesday-because its great!

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  Happy Times (lease is over) - 2006 Pontiac Montana SV6
  By Bye Bye GM - August 12 - 10:00 am

  We bought this van new in 2006 primarily thinking it was a good value and was nicely equipped for the price.It was fun to drive, but had several issues that left us stranded with our child on many occasions.The vehicle was always dealer serviced, often for recall and warranty repairs. We had trouble with the power door (broken cable), broken DVD player, rear wiper motor, front steering shaft, front suspension components, premature brake wear, even the keyless entry fob and remote start had issues. Battery cables and battery also needed to be replaced for the vehicle to start. Bottom line, you get what you pay for. This van cost me more to drive even with extended warranty than my other car.

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  Awesome Ride - 2005 Pontiac Aztek
  By Jeff Kelsey - August 11 - 2:23 pm

  This has been a great car. I haul lots of scuba gear and it has no problem holding it all. I can also take 3 adults with me with plenty of room and comfort. It really moves on the road too. Very snappy response to get around slow movers fast and safely. Handles like a dream on corners and on the open road. I love it. Plus, its ugly and nobody will steal it.

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  Cant Wait To Get Rid Of This Car - 2005 Pontiac Sunfire
  By Carla - August 9 - 8:26 am

  Ive had major problems with this car: "Theft deterrent system" went down, making the car think I was trying to steal it, and stranded me on a cold December night. Ignition coil and spark plug crapped out, leaving me stranded again, as the car was basically running on just two cylinders. Its going into the shop tonight for replacement of the catalytic converter, which is plugging up. Drivers side keyless entry doesnt work. Well, the electronics work, but the lock wont unengage. I have to open it with the key, and it turns really hard; will probably break off in the lock someday. In short ... I despise this car. Thank heaven its still under warranty.

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  My Pontiac - 2001 Pontiac Grand Prix
  By Shabang - August 8 - 2:00 am

  This has been a dependable and fun to drive car. The standard 3.1 - 175HP is a strong motor with good pickup. I didnt have any problems with the car until 62,000 when the transmission went. It cost $2650 to replace. It was out of warranty but luckily it was a company car and they payed the bill. I purchased the car from the company and my wife is driving it now. We recently replace an EGR valve for $175 but had no other problems. I would recommend the car even though it had the transmission issue.